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Raiders aim to be 'physical outfit that runs the ball'

by Larry Hartstein | CBSSports.com

(2/12/2015)The Raiders' hiring of Bill Musgrave as offensive coordinator is good news for running back Latavius Murray, who should get the chance to the primary ballcarrier, reports ESPN.com. Murray averaged 5.2 yards on 82 carries last season and could become a workhorse under Musgrave, who was Adrian Peterson's OC when Peterson rushed for nearly 2,100 yards in 2012.

"I'm definitely not going to come in with a system and force anybody to do something that's not natural. We're definitely going to try to customize and tailor the Raiders' system to fit the Raider players,” Musgrave said, per the website. “Philosophically, I do believe in running the football. I definitely want to be a physical outfit that runs the ball and imposes their will on the defense.”

Coach Jack Del Rio isn't guaranteeing Murray the starting job, but he's clearly the best tailback on the roster currently.

Raiders new OC Musgrave impressed by Latavius Murray

"I have a very positive impression," Musgrave said. "He has tremendous size and speed. He had a super career (at Central Florida). I’m looking forward to getting on the field and finding out what he’s all about and what his strengths are so we can tailor our run game so it’s right up his alley."

Murray totaled 82 carries for 424 yards with two touchdowns in 2014, despite only seeing significant work in the last five weeks of the season.

Raiders' Latavius Murray gets it done through the air Week 17

by Chris Cwik | CBSSports.com

(12/28/2014)Raiders running back Latavius Murray found a way to make an impact despite a poor day on the ground.

Murray carried the ball 10 times for 37 yards. His longest run of the day went for just eight yards. While he wasn't much of a threat on the ground, Murray did have a nice game in the air. He led the club with four catches for 60 yards. He caught all four of his targets.

Murray got some run as the team's primary ball-carrier near the end of the season. Aside from a ridiculous game Week 12, where he gained 112 yards on just four carries, he failed to really establish himself as a future starter. Murray finished the year with 424 rushing yards on 82 attempts.

"Early in the season, it took us a while to figure that part of it out," Sparano said. "He's a guy that was hurt all year last year. Latavius has really come into his own, and I think he can handle the workload of being a No. 1 guy."

Murray has appeared in 14 games this season, rushing for 387 yards and two touchdowns on 72 attempts. He has rushed for 333 yards over the past four weeks and will look to end the season on a high note Sunday against Denver.

Oakland is 14-point underdog at Denver.

Latavius Murray trustworthy up to a point

by Scott White | Senior Fantasy Writer

(12/22/2014)If his 23 carries Week 14 against San Francisco didn't convince you, Latavius Murray's 23 carries Week 16 against Buffalo should make the message loud and clear: He is the Raiders' top running back, and they're putting more faith in him than they ever did Darren McFadden.

Granted, it hasn't translated to much production yet, but the 49ers and Bills are two of the toughest defenses against the run. Unfortunately, Denver, the Raiders' Week 17 opponent, is ranked even higher at both.

Can you trust Murray to get his carries? He's gotten them two of the last three weeks, so most likely, yes. And with 20-plus chances, there's always the chance he breaks a long one. But the matchup will make it difficult.

You'd like to start him given his ever-increasing role, but you shouldn't force him into your lineup if you have two (or maybe three) respectable running backs already.

Raiders RB Latavius Murray racks up 108 yards vs. Bills

by R.J. White | CBSSports.com

(12/21/2014)Raiders running back Latavius Murray rushed for 86 yards on 23 carries and added three receptions for 22 yards in his team's 26-24 win over the Bills in Week 16.

Murray and the Raiders running game started to take off once Bills defensive tackle Marcell Dareus exited the game with a knee injury and did not return. The yardage was his best since breaking out for 112 yards on four carries against the Chiefs in a Thursday night win. Murray has managed 470 yards on 85 touches going into a Week 17 matchup with the Broncos in Denver.

Murray ran 12 times for 59 yards in the loss to the Chiefs after carrying 23 times for 76 yards Week 14 against San Francisco. Darren McFadden and Maurice Jones-Drew combined for four carries Sunday.

Oakland hosts the Bills in Week 16.

Latavius Murray does what he can

by Scott White | Senior Fantasy Writer

(12/14/2014)Getting another start for the Raiders, running back Latavius Murray didn't exactly light up the scoreboard like in his previous meeting with the Chiefs, when he had 112 yards and two touchdowns on four carries, but he performed adequately enough Week 15 at Kansas City, gaining 59 yards on 12 carries and 17 on two catches.

The problem is he had just 12 carries -- and only a week after having 23. It wasn't because the Raiders turned to someone else. They just stopped running the ball, having only seven carries as a team in the second half.

The Raiders trailed by only a touchdown at the half, but the Chiefs pulled away soon thereafter, putting the ball in the hands of rookie quarterback Derek Carr keeping it away from the Raiders' new weapon.

That's going to happen sometimes with the running back of a 2-12 team, so even though Murray has been a nice find to end the season, you'll need to pick your spots with him. Week 16 against Buffalo could be a more competitive game, but the Bills are so tough against the run that you may still want to pass on Murray.

Raiders' Latavius Murray fails to impress Sunday

by Sean d'Oliveira | CBSSports.com

(12/14/2014)Raiders running back Latavius Murray failed to get anything going on the ground during a 31-13 loss to the Chiefs Sunday.

Murray was held to 59 rushing yards on 12 attempts. He was targeted six times in the passing game, but only hauled in two receptions for 16 yards.

The Raiders next play Sunday against Buffalo.

Latavius Murray worth a pickup

by Scott White | Senior Fantasy Writer

(12/8/2014)The Raiders may have found a keeper in running back Latavius Murray, who got 23 carries to everyone else's eight Week 14 against San Francisco.

Of course, he gained fewer yards on those 23 carries than he did on four carries in Week 12, when he left with a concussion after two impressive touchdown runs, but against a 49ers defense that ranks seventh against the run, that's understandable. He's looking like a must-add at this stage of the season.

Raiders' Latavius Murray gets the bulk of the work Week 14

by Chris Cwik | CBSSports.com

(12/7/2014)Raiders running back Latavius Murray received the bulk of the carries Week 14 against the 49ers.

Murray got a lot of work, picking up 76 yards on 23 carries. The run game wasn't all that effective for Oakland during the contest, but quarterback Derek Carr made up for that. It was initially unclear how much work Murray would get coming off a concussion, but he looked like the workhorse back during the game. He didn't turn in a strong performance, but the team win might lead to him getting more run Week 15. Murray wasn't a big threat in the receiving game, but did manage two catches for 9 yards.

He'll take on the Chiefs Week 15.

Latavius Murray gets the nod for Raiders

by Chris Cwik | CBSSports.com

(12/7/2014)Raiders running back Latavius Murray is active Week 14 against the 49ers.

Murray missed Week 13 after suffering a concussion. He passed every test, and is ready to return.

The team will also have Sio Moore and Tarell Brown for the contest. Both players came into the contest listed as questionable. Moore has a hip injury. Brown is dealing with a foot issue.

Latavius Murray only Raiders player probable for Week 14

by Igor Mello | CBSSports.com

(12/5/2014)Raiders running back Latavius Murray, who was recently cleared from a concussion, was the only Oakland player deemed probable on the final injury report for Sunday's game against San Francisco.

Raiders coach Sparano 'curious' to see more of RB Latavius Murray

by Igor Mello | CBSSports.com

(12/5/2014)Raiders running back Latavius Murray, who was recently cleared from a concussion, could see a heavier workload in his first game back against the 49ers in Week 14. Coach Tony Sparano told reporters he's "curious" to see more of Murray on Sunday, Comcast SportsNet Bay Area reports.

Murray suffered a concussion Week 12 against Kansas City. Before the injury, Murray totaled 112 rushing yards and two touchdowns on four carries.

"I love the way Latavius runs the football," Sparano said. "I like what I've seen, but I've seen [14] carries. I want to see more of them. I'm curious, too. I'm curious just like the fans are curious."

Raiders' Latavius Murray able to practice in full on Thursday

by Chris Cwik | CBSSports.com

(12/4/2014)Raiders running back Latavius Murray was able to practice in full on Thursday.

Murray was cleared to return from a concussion, and was finally able to put in a full day of practice. He's expected to play a big role in the team's rushing attack moving forward, though he may be stuck in a rotation for the time being. Murray was on his toward a huge game against the Chiefs before he got injured.

Sparano not ready to declare Raiders RB his starter

by Marty Gitlin | CBSSports.com

(12/4/2014)Tony Sparano is unprepared to declare impressive Raiders running back Latavius Murray as his featured guy. And that has some fans upset.

Murray rushed for 155 yards in his last eight carries before missing the Week 13 game with a concussion. That's as many yards as starter Darren McFadden has in his last 62 attempts, but Sparano remains skeptical.

"He has eight carries," Sparano pointed out to the San Francisco Chronicle. "I love the way Latavius runs the football. I like what I've seen. I've seen eight carries. I want to see more of him. I'm curious, too. I'm curious just like the fans are curious."

Sparano has stated that he would like to see Murray get 15-18 carries in a game to see how he responds. Oakland hosts San Francisco on Sunday, but Murray will certainly not be used exclusively in the backfield.

"For now, he's going to be a guy you continue to rotate," Sparano said.

Raiders' Latavius Murray won't be used as a workhorse yet

Head coach Tony Sparano pointed out that Murray has only received eight carries this season, and didn't play last year. While Murray did receive a fair amount of work in college, Sparano pointed out that it's been a while since he's taken on a big load. Sparano went on to explain that he views Murray as a player that needs to be in a rotation right now.

Raiders RB Latavius Murray practicing Wednesday

by Larry Hartstein | CBSSports.com

(12/3/2014)Raiders running back Latavius Murray, who missed the Week 13 loss at St. Louis with a concussion, cleared the league's protocol and practiced Wednesday, reports 95.7 The Game. Murray appears on track to play Sunday against the 49ers.

Report: Raiders RB Murray likely to be red-lighted Sunday

(11/28/2014)Raiders running back Latavius Murray is all but set to sit Sunday against St. Louis with a concussion, sources have told 957 The Game Bay Area.

The team had been optimistic in regard to his return from a concussion, but he has yet to be cleared.

Raiders RB Latavius Murray has 'one step to go'

by Larry Hartstein | CBSSports.com

(11/27/2014)Raiders running back Latavius Murray, who suffered a concussion Week 12, was limited in practice for the second straight day Thursday. He must get cleared by an independent neurologist to play Sunday at St. Louis.

"He still has one step to go," coach Tony Sparano told the San Francisco Chronicle. "We're not there yet."

Raiders' Latavius Murray 'feeling better every day'

Murray was able to return to practice on Wednesday, but has not been cleared to return from his concussion just yet. Despite that, Murray seems optimistic about his status. "I’ve felt fine, and I’m feeling better each day," Murray said. "With these kind of things you have to take it one day at a time and follow the right procedures." Murray was on his way to a huge game before leaving with the injury Week 12.

Raiders RB Latavius Murray has not been cleared to play yet

by Chris Cwik | CBSSports.com

(11/26/2014)Raiders running back Latavius Murray may have returned to practice on Wednesday, but he hasn't been cleared to play on Sunday just yet, according to CSN.

Murray is dealing with a concussion. While he appears to have made progress with the injury, he still has to pass medical tests before he's formally cleared to play. Murray was on his way to a huge game Week 12 before exiting with the injury. Murray was listed as a limited participant in practice on Wednesday.

Raiders RB Latavius Murray back at practice Wednesday

(11/26/2014)Week 12 breakout back Latavius Murray returned to practice Wednesday for the Raiders after being sidelined several days with a concussion.

Murray rushed for 112 yards and two touchdowns on just four carries last Thursday against Kansas City. It remains to be seen if he's cleared to play Sunday against St. Louis.

Raiders RB Latavius Murray misses practice Monday

by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com

(11/24/2014)Raiders running back Latavius Murray was unable to practice Monday after suffering a concussion Thursday against the Chiefs. Murray had only four carries Thursday, but he made the most of his touches, totaling 112 rushing yards and two touchdowns.

The Raiders are back in action Week 13 at St. Louis.

Raiders' Tony Sparano: RB Latavius Murray in concussion protocol

by Igor Mello | CBSSports.com

(11/21/2014)Raiders interim coach Tony Sparano didn't provide much of an update regarding running back Latavius Murray's status during his Friday news conference. He told reporters that Murray is undergoing a battery of concussion tests, according to the San Francisco Chronicle.

Murray carried the four times for 112 yards and two touchdowns before getting knocked out of Week 12 with a concussion. He will need to be medically cleared by an independent neurologist in order to play Week 13 against the Rams. When asked why he hasn't used Murray in his first six games as interim coach, Sparano told reporters he "never looks back."

Raiders RB Latavius Murray won't return to Week 12 action

by R.J. White | CBSSports.com

(11/20/2014)Raiders running back Latavius Murray has been ruled out for the remainder of his team's Week 12 game against the Chiefs.

Murary was taken to the back to be evaluated for a concussion in the first half and was ruled out early in the second half. He wraps up an impressive but brief debut on the national stage with four carries for 112 yards and two touchdowns.

Raiders RB Latavius Murray exits game with possible concussion

by R.J. White | CBSSports.com

(11/20/2014)Raiders running back Latavius Murray is being evaluated for a concussion, the team announced.

Murray took a big hit on a kick return and headed to the locker room to be checked out. He's racked up 112 yards and two touchdowns on just four carries, including a 90-yard score early in the second quarter.

Bigger role predicted for Raiders RB Latavius Murray

by Larry Hartstein | CBSSports.com

(11/19/2014)Latavius Murray led Raiders running backs in snaps last week at San Diego, and he's expected to at least split time with Darren McFadden on Thursday against the Chiefs, reports ESPN's Adam Caplan. Murray got more work than normal in practice this week, according to Kaplan.

Murray ran four times for 43 yards and caught three passes for 16 yards against the Chargers. He played 27 snaps, while McFadden played 22 and Maurice Jones-Drew played 10.

Raiders RB Latavius Murray excels in limited work vs. Chargers

by R.J. White | CBSSports.com

(11/16/2014)Raiders running back Latavius Murray led his team with 43 rushing yards on only four carries while catching three of his four targets for another 16 yards in his team's 13-6 loss to the Chargers in Week 11.

Murray didn't get his first carry of the game until late in the third quarter but ripped off gains of 14 and 23 yards to put his team in Chargers territory for the first time since the first quarter. The running back had just nine offensive touches coming into the day, but it's possible the team gives him more chances after he provided a spark in limited action Sunday. The Raiders have a quick turnaround to face the Chiefs Thursday.

Raiders get minor contributions from role players in Week 2

by Igor Mello | CBSSports.com

(9/14/2014)The Raiders received minor contributions from several role players in a Week 2 loss to the Texans. Running back Latavius Murray took a backseat to Darren McFadden and was limited to only one handoff for a gain of 6 yards. Fullback Marcel Reece caught one pass for a gain of 11 yards, while receiver Brice Butler was held to one reception for minus-2 yards.

Raiders to use 'hot hand' approach at running back in Week 2

by R.J. White | CBSSports.com

(9/13/2014)The Raiders will go with a "hot hand" approach at the running back position Sunday with Maurice Jones-Drew sidelined by a broken hand, Comcast SportsNet Bay Area reports.

"It depends on how the game plays out," head coach Dennis Allen said. "If we have somebody with a hot hand, we are going to go with him. But all of our backs will play."

Darren McFadden is expected to get the start, but Latavius Murray should also have the opportunity to record a fair number of touches if he impresses early. Oakland is going against a Houston team that was gashed for 131 yards on 23 carries (5.7 yards per carry) in Week 1.

Latavius Murray feels 'lights years better' than last season

by Larry Hartstein | CBSSports.com

(8/11/2014)Raiders second-year running back Latavius Murray underwent two surgeries on his ankle as a rookie, and only felt normal again in May, reports CSNBayArea.com. Murray feels "light years better" than last season and is poised to make an impact, the report said.

"It was a long road back," Murray said. "I'm so happy to be playing like myself again."

"Now that he's back to being healthy, I think we're seeing a little bit more the type of back that we felt we were going to get when we drafted him," coach Dennis Allen said. "I think, to this point in camp and really through the first preseason game, he's done well."

"We're looking for big things from Latavius Murray right now, coming off the foot injury," Olson said. "He's shown, to me, the biggest upside right now in what we've seen thus far, if he can stay healthy."

Latavius Murray last in Dennis Allen's mental depth chart?

by Dave Richard | Senior Fantasy Writer

(5/15/2014)When asked about the depth his team has at running back, Raiders head coach Dennis Allen listed the five most prominent rushers on his team, but there could be more to it than meets the eye.

According to the San Francisco Chronicle, who listened to Allen's interview on SiriusXM, the coach ran off his team's "great RB depth" by listing them in the following order: Darren McFadden, Maurice Jones-Drew, Marcel Reece, Korey Sheets and Latavius Murray.

Murray, a second-year rusher with some skills and potential, is seemingly still in Allen's dog house after struggling last season. He's expected to do nothing but serve as depth if he makes the team's final roster this summer. He's not worth drafting.

Allen excited for Latavius Murray

by Jamey Eisenberg | Senior Fantasy Writer

(3/25/2014)Raiders coach Dennis Allen said Tuesday at the NFL owners meetings that he's not sure what second-year running back Latavius Murray is capable of, but he's looking forward to finding out.

Murray missed his entire rookie year with an ankle injury, but he's expected to compete for a role as the No. 2 running back behind Darren McFadden this season.

"Latavius is a guy that I think has a lot of potential," Allen said. "When you look at him from an athletic standpoint, he’s a little over 6-2, he’s about 230 pounds and ran a 4-3 40-yard dash. He had the injury last year, and he was never really (healthy). When I saw the tape from him in college, I was very impressed with him as a runner. He's a big, physical back that has excellent footwork and lateral movement. And he has good vision.

"The problem is I never really saw Latavius Murray from the time that he walked on campus. Because really even then in the rookie minicamp he wasn't 100 percent healthy. From all indications, he’s healthy now, and so I’m excited to see what he can do."

Big offseason coming for Latavius Murray

by Dave Richard | Senior Fantasy Writer

(9:57 am ET)With Darren McFadden and Rashad Jennings both expected to hit the free agent marketplace, this offseason should be huge for Raiders running back Latavius Murray. On injured reserve for his rookie season with an ankle injury, Murray might be in a position to land a big chunk of the Oakland run game workload. Coach Dennis Allen will be watching and evaluating.

"I think Latavius is one of those guys that we're anxious to see be healthy and get out there and play," Allen said according to ESPN. "He's a big back that's got excellent speed and excellent size. He runs tough ... we'll find out a lot more about Latavius Murray as we go through the offseason program and into training camp."

Murray is 6-foot-3 and 230 pounds, a physical pounder who had 19 total touchdowns and over 1,300 total yards in 11 games as a senior at Central Florida in 2012.

Raiders place two on injured reserve

Murray underwent ankle surgery recently. Hanson played in all three preseason games and made an interception last Friday against the Bears.

Latavius Murray has ankle scoped

by Larry Hartstein | CBSSports.com

(8/21/2013)Raiders rookie running back Latavius Murray had arthroscopic ankle surgery Tuesday, reports the San Francisco Chronicle. The timetable for his return is unclear.

Latavius Murray not in uniform for second preseason game

by Chris Towers | CBSSports.com

(8/16/2013)Raiders running back Latavius Murray sat out Friday's preseason game against the Saints, though it is not yet clear whether he is dealing with an injury. Murray missed two weeks of practice early in training camp with an undisclosed injury, and it appears as if he has fallen well behind in his battle for the No. 2 running back spot.

Latavius Murray falling behind in battle

by Chris Towers | CBSSports.com

(8/10/2013)Raiders rookie running back Latavius Murray appeared to be behind Rashad Jennings in the battle for the backup running back spot in Friday's preseason opener against the Cowboys.

Murray did not work with the first-team offense, as he entered the game in the second half. He finished second on the team with eight carries, and third with 29 rushing yards. Jennings rushed nine times for 39 yards.

Murray was thought to possibly be in the lead for the backup role at the start of training camp, but his workload indicates he has fallen behind.

Latavius Murray returns to practice

by Larry Hartstein | CBSSports.com

(8/7/2013)Raiders rookie running back Latavius Murray was back at practice Wednesday after missing nearly two weeks with an undisclosed injury, reports the Oakland Tribune.

Latavius Murray still sidelined for Raiders

by Dave Richard | Senior Fantasy Writer

(8/5/2013)Raiders rookie running back Latavius Murray is missed the past week of work with an undisclosed injury according to Comcast Sportsnet. Fellow backup Rashad Jennings has taken the second-team reps in his place. Darren McFadden remains the Raiders' starter.

Murray's current injury isn't known but in June minicamps he hurt his foot.

According to Comcast Sports Net, Murray might have the lead going into training camp because at 223 pounds, Murray fits the Raiders scheme the best. Murray missed part of the offseason program with a foot injury, so he must make the most of training camp and his preseason carries to earn the No. 2 spot.

Jennings came to Oakland via free agency from Jacksonville, where he averaged 2.8 yards per carry and struggled filling in for Maurice Jones-Drew (foot) last season.

Reece filled in for McFadden last year, but the Raiders seem intent on keeping him at fullback. Still, if McFadden gets hurt this season, Reece could still play a prominent role.

Murray dealing with sore foot

by Jamey Eisenberg | Senior Fantasy Writer

(6/12/2013)The Contra Costa Times reports that Raiders rookie running back Latavius Murray remains sidelined during minicamp with a sore foot. Murray, a sixth-round pick from Central Florida, is competing with Rashad Jennings to be the No. 2 running back in Oakland behind Darren McFadden.